Student Raceday Graduates With Honours – and Record Numbers

Record numbers of scholars took up the chance to advance their studies – of the form – at Scotland’s most successful ever student raceday.

Delighted event organisers at Musselburgh Racecourse saw more than 150 college and university students turn out for a meeting after taking up a special offer.

That makes it the most successful ever student racecourse event in Scotland and now Musselburgh is exploring ways to enhance the offer and make it a regular fixture.

Sarah Montgomery, commercial manager at Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Students turned out in record numbers and the feedback was that they loved the day out.

“Not only did they enjoy the thrill of watching horses over hurdles, but they got to witness jumping at our challenging steeplechase fences too. For most it was the first time they’ve experienced a full day at the races.

“We know only too well what a pleasant eye opener that can be for first time visitors and we are delighted to be winning over a new generation of race goers.”

The student package included racecourse entry, a burger, pint and racecard for just £12.95. A racing tipster gave students an insight in to what to watch out for during a race day and hints on potential winning trainers and jockeys.

The forward-thinking course saw the opportunity to attract some of the thousands of students based in East Lothian, Edinburgh the Borders, Fife and beyond to the November 5 meet, which marked the start of the National Hunt season.

Sarah added: “Given how successful it proved, we will definitely be looking at building on this, looking at how we can tie in a future student racedays with other activities – perhaps something like a nightclub offer.”

Lorna Ferguson of Scottish Racing confirmed Musselburgh’s student event was the most successful of any student events ever organised at Scotland’s five racecourses.

She said: “The student market has always been notoriously difficult one to crack so we are delighted that Musselburgh held such a successful day earlier this month. We have tried a few times across the Scottish tracks and it has always been difficult so I would say this was the most successful Scottish raceday we’ve ever had.

“We pride ourselves on being fun for all but some see racing as male dominated and an older demographic but it’s not. Once we get people like students on course we are able diminish these misconceptions and show them a brilliant day out…once you get the racing bug that’s you hooked.”

Musselburgh Racecourse is firmly established as one of the UK’s most stylish racecourses, hosting 27 flat and jumps meetings each year, including the hugely popular Stobo Castle Ladies Day.

The 5 star Visit Scotland venue is popular with racing enthusiasts and is increasingly becoming a draw for both families and corporate clients. Events such as and the imminent Totepool New Year’s Day Race Meeting and the Scottish Cheltenham Trials are helping it attract a more diverse audience.

For racegoers travelling by train, Musselburgh Racecourse provides a free bus shuttle service to and from Wallyford Station and for people using the Borders Railway line, a new shuttle service will operate from Newcraighall Station.

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Scott Douglas

Scott Douglas is the co-founder of the multi award-winning Holyrood Partnership, renowned public relations agency in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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